Vancouver Whitecaps FC kick off a new era on Saturday with the inaugural match for Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) in MLS NEXT Pro. WFC2 will play in the "Game of the Week" on the road in Houston against Dynamo Dos. Catch all the action live at mlsnextpro.com.
Dynamo Dos vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Saturday, March 26, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. PT
AVEVA Stadium, Houston, TX
BROADCAST: mlsnextpro.com
TOP PROSPECTS: Whitecaps FC 2 will feature the top up-and-coming prospects at the club, primarily from the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System and the MLS SuperDraft. No player on the roster is older than 24-years-old, with no less than seven teenagers on the roster. In years past, the 'Caps second team has been a part of the pathway of rising talents such as current Canada men's national team stars Sam Adekugbe and Alphonso Davies. It will be exciting see the next generation in action at the professional level.
PUSH TO MLS: MLS NEXT Pro is the final stepping stone for players on the path to MLS, and every player will be pushing for their shot in the first team. Players signed to the MLS NEXT Pro roster may be called up to play in MLS on a short term agreement. Already this season the 'Caps have used this mechanism, bringing in Emiliano Brienza to make his MLS debut in the season opener at Columbus Crew.
NO DRAWS: MLS Next Pro will be a testing ground not just for players, but coaches, referees, and all participants in the soccer landscape. The league will be used as an innovation hub. One such change will be notable - no draws. Every match that is tied after regulation will go straight to a shootout. A regulation win will be worth three points, a shootout win two points, and a shootout loss one point. Shootout wins could prove crucial come the end of season standings.
